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Helicopters circled the sky for several hours as police swarmed a North Hills neighborhood where a possible officer-involved shooting was reported this morning, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Neighbors reported that about 15 gang members had gathered in the 15500 block of Chase Street shortly before 10 a.m. to spray graffiti, and that shots had been fired after police arrived, said Richard French, LAPD spokesman.

Two people were taken into custody and it remained unclear if they were going to be charged, according to French.

Los Angeles residents can get up to $200 by turning in their firearms — no questions asked — on May 8, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced today.

“I want to implore all Angelenos to join us in making this year’s Gun Buyback (program) even more successful than the last,” Villaraigosa said. “By working together, thinking strategically and offering the right incentives, we can create a safer Los Angeles, neighborhood by neighborhood.”

Under the program — which will run from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. on May 8 — community and faith-based organizations will work with the Los Angeles Police Department in providing five “neutral” locations where people can surrender their firearms in exchange for a Ralphs grocery store gift card or a prepaid VISA card.

The amount of the gift cards will depend on the type of firearm. For assault weapons, the amount is up to $200; for handguns, shotguns and rifles, up to $100.

“Last year, we reclaimed 1,700 guns and assault weapons (in) the most successful gun buyback program in the United States of America,” Villaraigosa said.

“The LAPD is focused on this. Our Gang Reduction and Youth Reduction Office is working with intervention workers to really reach out,” he said. “Our hope is that this is going to be even more successful that last year.”

Villaraigosa said the city handed out 1,302 gift cards worth about $130,200 last year. This year, although the number of sites has been whittled down from 19 to five, it is prepared to spend $200,000.

You can leave your guns at home … or you can turn them into the LAPD and get a gift card for $100 for pistols and $200 for assault weapons.

TURN IN YOUR GUNS….No questions asked

The Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Division is taking part in the 2009 Anonymous Gun Buyback Program. This event is taking place on May 9th, 2009 at locations all around the city. Participants will receive a Visa or Ralph’s Supermarket gift card in the amount of $100.00 for handguns and $200.00 for assault weapons (while supplies last).

This event is completely anonymous and no questions will be asked. Please transport your firearms unloaded and in the trunk of your vehicle.

The turn in location for Topanga Area (West Hills, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, and Winnetka) will be located at:

Hope Chapel of the Valley
7930 Mason Ave
Canoga Park, CA 91306

The event will be from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For other locations around the city or any questions, please call the Topanga Area Senior Lead Office at (818) 756-3070. Updated locations and information may be available from the Los Angeles City Web site or the CBS Web site.